Planning and Regulations FAQ

• Indicated on the online mapping tool is a compilation of various information sources.
• Floodplain mapping and shoreline hazard mapping were previously prepared for the SVCA by engineering consultants in select areas. 
• SVCA applied the approximate regulated area, and offsets, to areas where such mapping is available. 
• Slope and erosion hazards, and their associated offsets, were determined by the SVCA using the detailed topographical data contained in the shoreline or floodplain mapping.

• Represents the SVCA’s hazard land mapping plus 30 metres where detailed topographical information was not available and was completed via aerial photo interpretation. 
• Associated with the approximate screening area, the SVCA’s Regulation will apply to the appropriate features and an offset from these features, as determined when the SVCA is asked to review a proposal in, or in close proximity to, the approximate screening area. 

An accessory building or structure will not require an SVCA permit provided it is a non-habitable, free standing accessory building or structure that is:

(A)  is incidental or subordinate to the principal building or structure,

(B)  is 15 square metres or less, and

(C)  is not within a wetland or watercourse

•  an unenclosed detached deck or patio that is 15 square metres or less, is not placed within a watercourse or wetland and does not utilize any method of cantilevering

• the disposal bed is no closer to a natural hazard than that which is being replaced;
• the bed is the same size or smaller than the existing being replaced; and/or
• there will be no negative impacts on the local drainage.

• Fencing is considered exempt provided it is a rail, chain-link or panelled fence with a minimum of 75 millimetres of width between panels, that is not within a wetland or watercourse.

Permits are not required provided it is a seasonal or floating dock that,

(A)  is 10 square metres or less,

(B)  does not require permanent support structures, and

(C)  can be removed in the event of flooding.

• fill quantities are less than 23 cu. m;
• the work is completed within one calendar year;
• is not an ongoing fill project;
• the fill is comprised of inert, granular material;
• will not cause erosion or sedimentation;
• is not located on a steep slope, wetland, or dynamic beach; and
• is not used for shoreline erosion protection within the shoreline hazard.

Non-structural agricultural use such as cropping and pasturing within existing agricultural fields, and woodlot management (selective timber harvesting with no permanent watercourse crossings, permanent landing areas, etc.).

• Replacement of existing service connections (e.g. telephone, cable, water, sewer within a Regulated Area, but not within the actual regulated feature unless a floodplain (not within a wetland, watercourse, shoreline, valley); and
• Other non-structural uses such as gardens, nurseries, open arboretums and forestry/wildlife management.

• On-going operations associated with existing commercial/industrial uses that have been previously approved by SVCA; and
• Municipal water monitoring wells that would not affect the control of flooding, erosion, pollution, dynamic beaches, or the conservation of land.

• Maintenance and upkeep of existing buildings and structures;
• Repairs and renovations to an existing building within the existing roofline and exterior walls and above the existing foundation, and is not associated with a change in use, or potential use, or increase the number of dwelling units;
• Interior and exterior repairs or maintenance of a building, such as siding, painting, window and door replacements, roof shingling;
• Replacing or installing a furnace or electrical panel (unless some other aspect of the overall project is considered construction or reconstruction);
• Minor alterations and maintenance or operation of existing dams that would not affect the control of flooding, erosion, pollution or the conservation of land and that would not result in changes in the capacity of river flows or impacts on integrity of the structure or in-water works, and where there is no change to the original dimensions of the existing dam;
• Maintenance to storm water management facilities that would not affect the control of flooding, erosion, pollution, dynamic beaches, or the conservation of land, and where there is no change to the original dimensions of the existing infrastructure.;
• Minor watercourse works, not including dams or ponds, in watercourses less than or equal to one metre in width at the project site (top of bank measured), will not disturb more than 8 metres of channel length, will not cause flooding or erosion and will not obstruct flow.

• Through the Conservation Authorities Act, SVCA is responsible for regulating development activities around hazardous lands and environmental features. 
• Permit applications are applied for directly through the SVCA office and staff make the decision on individual applications.

• Applications made under the Planning Act such as a severance or a minor variance are initiated through an individual municipality and SVCA is circulated on those files to provide comments. 
• SVCA have a Provincially delegated responsibility to represent provincial interests where natural hazards are present.
• SVCA staff do not make decisions on a Planning Act applications; that responsibility lies with the individual municipality or county.